Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 642

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-01-23: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Last Updated

2026-06-30T08:06:12Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025 aims to protect and preserve a 34-mile portion of the Myakka River in Sarasota County, Florida, by designating it as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This federal designation recognizes the river's natural, scenic, and recreational values while promoting coordinated management without overriding state or local control.

Key Provisions

• Short Title and Findings: The bill is titled the "Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025." It includes congressional findings highlighting prior studies recommending the river's inclusion in the national system, Florida's state-level protections (via Florida Statute Chapter 258.501), local commitments from Sarasota County and cities of Venice and North Port, strong public and stakeholder support, and existing conservation efforts covering about 34 miles, including segments in Myakka River State Park.

• Designation of River Segments: Amends Section 3(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(a)) to add the Myakka River. The 34-mile segments in Sarasota County are classified as follows (classifications define levels of development and protection: "wild" for remote areas, "scenic" for natural views with minimal development, and "recreational" for areas with some roads or structures):
• 8.0 miles from Manatee/Sarasota County line to S.R. 72: Scenic.
• 11.2 miles from S.R. 72 to Laurel Road: Wild.
• 1.9 miles from Laurel Road to Border Road: Scenic.
• 1.5 miles from Border Road to south of I-75 Bridge: Recreational.
• 1.5 miles from south of I-75 Bridge to Snook Haven: Scenic.
• 3.2 miles from Snook Haven to Ramblers Rest: Wild.
• 2.7 miles from Ramblers Rest to U.S. 41: Scenic.
• 4.0 miles from U.S. 41 to Charlotte County line: Scenic.

Administration is by the Secretary of the Interior in partnership with the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council.

• Special Requirements:
• Defines key terms like "Myakka River," "Council," "comprehensive management plan" (referring to the existing Myakka River Wild and Scenic Management Plan, which satisfies federal planning requirements), and "Secretary."
• Authorizes cooperative agreements with Florida's Department of Environmental Protection, local governments (Sarasota County, North Port, Venice), and nonprofits for protection and enhancement.
• Clarifies that federal involvement does not make the river part of the National Park System or subject to full National Park Service oversight.
• Ensures no impact on existing management of public or private lands in the watershed by state or local agencies.
• Allows the Secretary to provide technical assistance, staff support, and funding for plan updates and implementation.
• Limits land acquisition to donations or purchases with owner consent; prohibits condemnation (forced acquisition via eminent domain).

• Myakka River Management Council:
• Builds on the existing council (established under Florida law) by requiring coordination with the Secretary for plan updates.
• Adds a National Park Service representative to the council.
• Permits adding other interested parties per state law.
• Emphasizes collaborative management to support federal responsibilities.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (1968) by adding the Myakka River as a new designated component, expanding the national system to include this Florida river based on prior eligibility studies.
• Integrates Florida's existing state management plan and council, avoiding the need for a new federal plan and ensuring state-led administration with federal support.
• Introduces tailored protections, such as no condemnation authority and cooperative agreements, which differ from standard federal river designations that might allow broader acquisition powers.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Enhances coordination between the U.S. Department of the Interior (via National Park Service), Florida state agencies, and local governments, potentially increasing federal technical and funding support for conservation without shifting full control. State and local agencies retain authority over land management.
• On Citizens: Promotes public access for recreation (e.g., boating, hiking) while protecting the river's ecology, benefiting residents and visitors in Sarasota County through preserved natural areas. Landowners face no forced sales but may see voluntary conservation opportunities.
• On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic environmental protection within U.S. borders.
• Broader Effects: Strengthens watershed conservation (covering public lands and easements), potentially improving water quality, wildlife habitats, and flood resilience in a growing region.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal Government: Secretary of the Interior and National Park Service (administration and coordination role).
• State and Local Governments: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Sarasota County, cities of Venice and North Port (primary management partners).
• Myakka River Management Coordinating Council: Represents state/local agencies, agriculture, landowners, environmental groups, and nonprofits; gains a federal representative and support for its plan.
• Private and Community Interests: Landowners (protected from condemnation), agricultural users, environmental organizations, and the public (enhanced recreation and preservation benefits).

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Reinforces federalism by respecting state sovereignty (e.g., adopting Florida's plan and council) and limits federal power (no condemnation aligns with property rights protections under the Fifth Amendment). Builds on prior laws without conflicting with them.
• Constitutional: Supports environmental stewardship under Congress's commerce and property clauses but avoids takings issues by prohibiting eminent domain, reducing litigation risks.
• Political: Demonstrates bipartisan environmental collaboration (introduced by Republicans) in a fast-growing area, potentially setting a model for state-federal partnerships in conservation amid climate and development pressures. May encourage similar designations elsewhere with strong local support.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17]

Cosponsors (8)

Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Patronis, Jimmy [R-FL-1], Rep. Lee, Laurel M. [R-FL-15], Rep. Cammack, Kat [R-FL-3], Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5], Rep. Webster, Daniel [R-FL-11], Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12]

Recent Actions

• 2025-01-23: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
• 2025-01-23: Introduced in House
• 2025-01-23: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025 — issued 2025-01-23 — PDF (8 pages)